Climbing into the crib to comfort baby daughter nets London dad 12 million YouTube views and TV guest spot 0

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You know the world of parenting has changed when the video of a father comforting his 10-month-old daughter gets 12 million views on the Internet.

Mind you, the fact Londoner Nunzio Raso climbed into little Michela’s crib to help her sleep, did lead to a hilarious predicament, which is why his video has made the leap from the Internet to the premiere of the new Meredith Vieira Show Monday.

The stay-at-home dad and Michela, now six, are in New York at NBC studios Friday taping a segment and telling their story.

“Obviously, it’s a bit overwhelming,” said Raso.

“I’m used to networks contacting me to licence the video and show clips, but I never envisioned getting on a major network.”

It was late November, 2009, when Nunzio and wife Lisa were unable to get Michela to sleep. Well after midnight, Lisa handed the baby over to dad.

“I handed her off to him because I was just exhausted,” she said.

Nunzio decided to find out what was causing Michela to wake up and set up a video camera. When Michela cried, dad climbed in to soothe her and was unable to get out as she flopped on his belly and falls asleep.

“It was one of those mornings . . . I just had to do something,” said Raso.

“I was actually in there for a couple of hours. I think I even fell asleep for a while.”

Raso edited the video, sent it to friends for a chuckle, then posted it on You Tube where it soon went viral, even drawing the attention of advertising companies who continue to call for permission to use it.

Since then, Raso has made 28 other videos of Michela and little brother Robert, now 4, all posted on his You Tube channel where he has almost 10,000 subscribers and received 13.3 million views.

To date, Raso estimates that first video has earned him about $15,000 from You Tube and ads around the world — Coca Cola in Brazil, Pampers in Germany, sleeping products, Google Chrome, comedy shows in Japan and various television shows.

Lisa, a team lead in parts supply at General Dynamics Land Systems, described Raso as “a great dad.”

“The first time I saw the video I couldn’t stop laughing,” she said. “It’s amazing how it’s gone viral. But he’s a great dad. He does lot of things with the kids, keeps them busy. He’s really good with them.”

The call from Vieira’s producer is easily the most significant offer Raso’s received over the years.

Vieira is no stranger to television viewers, especially fans of ABC’s The View, which she moderated from its premiere until 2006. She co-hosted the long-running NBC News morning news program Today for five years until 2011 and was host of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire for 11 years until 2013.

The 14-time Emmy Award winner has also been the focus of news stories, most notably for leaving 60 Minutes when the producer refused to let her work part-time after the birth of her second child. She also turned down a $20-million-a-year deal from Today to spend more time with her family.

It’s clear Raso and Vieira share similar views about parenting as he gave up a secure job with a utility company to raise the children.

But with Robert now in Junior Kindergarten and Michela full-time at school in Grade 1 at St. George’s Catholic school, Raso said he’s starting to get a little antsy. He works part time as a disc jockey at weddings and parties but is hoping to find something full-time.

But he has no regrets about staying home and lots of praise for those who make that choice — mothers and fathers alike.

“I think it’s one of the hardest jobs out there today,” said Raso. “Obviously, you have to be able to multi-task. But now that they’re back in school, I guess I do feel a little jubilation. But I guess I miss them, too. Yesterday and earlier today I found myself calling out for them.”